Chapter 128: Chapter 130: Not up to the Mark
“This time it’s different,” Aunt Yao came over, also holding a blanket specially prepared for Sisi. The little child, with her small face, was so petite that it filled people’s heart with tenderness.
“Xiangcao…” Aunt Yao sat up and took Zhang Xiangcao’s hand, “This is a good opportunity. You must seize it and make a good life for yourself. Only if you’re well-off, will your mother rest in peace.”
Mentioning Sisi’s grandmother made Zhang Xiangcao’s eyes tear up.
All of this was her fault. She was unfilial. Why did she insist on marrying an educated man back then? If she had simply married anyone in the village, things wouldn’t have ended up like this. Her mother wouldn’t have had to work so hard all her life, and even when she passed away, she wasn’t able to close her eyes in peace.
Choking back tears, she nodded, “Auntie, you don’t need to say anymore. I’ll marry, I’ll marry. As long as he doesn’t mind that I’m divorced and have a daughter, Sisi, if he’s willing to be good to my Sisi, I would accept him no matter if he’s disabled or blind.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
Aunt Yao put on a stern face. She had watched you grow up, and no matter what, she wouldn’t push you into such a situation. That wouldn’t be saving you, it would be harming you.
“This opportunity is indeed a good one.”
“It’s Tang Zhijun from the Tang family. That young man is not bad. A few days ago, didn’t the rumor spread that he was working lands for you, letting others discuss the matter. Now, the elder brother asked me to propose this marriage for you, saying things have come to this point, regardless of whether it’s true or false, you should just accept.”
Zhang Xiangcao was startled, “Is it him, Tang Zhijun?”
“Indeed it is,” Aunt Yao nodded with a smile. “It’s that Tang Zhijun. They’re just two brothers. Previously, Zhinian’s wife ran away with someone else, leaving behind a little girl, who’s now eight years old. She’s quite sensible. Although the two brothers are not wealthy, they’re diligent, and they get by just fine. What do you think?”
“He…” Zhang Xiangcao’s heart was filled with complex emotions. She wasn’t sure why touching her face made it feel warm.
Auntie, do they feel like it’s them who have ruined my reputation?”
Zhang Xiangcao’s first reaction was not to anything else, but to the question of whether they were marrying her to salvage her reputation. If that was the case, then there wasn’t any need. She gave a bitter smile, “I’m already like this, what reputation do I still have? There’s no need for them to spend their entire lives making it up to me. Sisi and I can survive just fine.”
She was not worthy of him.
“Are you stupid?” Aunt Yao felt that Zhang Xiangcao was simply too naive. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have ended up in such a state with Sisi. Initially, she should have sought out the educated youth, not let him decide whether to marry or divorce her at whim.
In ancient times when a man wanted to divorce his wife, he had to have a reason. More so when Zhang Xiangcao was carrying Sisi at that time.
Aunt Yao has already accepted this proposal for you. She was a straightforward woman, “This is such a good match, auntie naturally has your best interests in mind.”
Zhang Xiangcao wanted to say something but Aunt Yao didn’t let her speak or oppose.
“I still have some money, I’ll buy you some dowries first. We need to prepare some clothes no matter what.”
As soon as Aunt Yao said this, she left for less than half an hour before returning with a bunch of things for Zhang Xiangcao to display at the wedding.
Originally, Aunt Yao thought the matter would be settled like this. The Tang family could separate out a room for them. It was fairly makeshift, but it would work. Everyone was from the same village. Who wouldn’t know about their situation?